An open-air, covered pavilion that will house 32 farmers market vendors is taking shape off Railroad Avenue in Flowery Branch.

Construction is well underway on the L-shaped wooden structure that will be the permanent home to the market, a popular draw that has been held at City Hall off Pine Street. 

The new pavilion will be on a lot between Main Street and Knight Drive. A pedestrian lawn will be between the pavilion and the Flowery Branch Depot, which the city rents out for events. The pavilion also could be used for events, such as weddings and other celebrations like a Christmas event, said Renee Carden, the city’s downtown events coordinator.

“We’re already dreaming,” she said, with a laugh. “My Hallmark moments.”

Officials project a May completion.

The site will feature vendor parking and a walkway to Main Street. The Main Street entrance will have an overhead sign saying “Farmers Market” and be next to a new, two-story retail/apartment building that runs between the depot and Church Street.

“Our hope is it is generating some excitement in the community,” Carden said.

The farmers market is one of several public improvements Flowery Branch is making throughout downtown.

Also planned are new parking spaces along Railroad Avenue at the farmers market and on Main Street between Church and Mitchell streets, a couple of parks on Church Street and a “woonerf,” or a Dutch-style, pedestrian-friendly area on Church Street Street between Main and Pine streets.